‘Serious enquiries’ welcomedThe Secret Tea Room, in StoneA Staffordshire tea room is up for sale – as the current owner prepares to retire. The Secret Tea Room – on Adies Alley, in Stone – is the ‘number one food establishment in Stone on TripAdvisor’.The venue is inviting ‘serious enquiries’. It remains open for business.In a social media post to customers, the venue stated: “The Secret Tea Room is officially looking for a new owner. Due to retirement, this much loved independent tea room is now for sale. The Secret Tea Room has become a favourite with both locals and visitors alike. Known for its homemade food, afternoon teas and warm atmosphere, The Secret Tea Room has been built with love, hard work and passion — serving quality locally sourced food and drinks wherever possible. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone dreaming of owning a successful café or tea room in one of Staffordshire’s most popular market towns.”Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free
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Top Staffordshire tea room up for sale
Hopes and fears at shopping centre that people ‘think is closed’
New businesses have moved in but there is uncertainty about what the future holdsL-R Meg Alderson and Sammy Leigh of Goodness Grief Tattoo Company of Cavern Walks Shopping Centre(Image: Jamie Greer/Liverpool ECHO)There is a mixture of excitement and uncertainty in a Liverpool shopping centre that people “don’t know about”. Cavern Walks opened in 1984 on Mathew Street as a luxury retail destination, with hanging plants, candy pink lamp posts and a wall-climber lift linking two shopping levels.In the 2000s, the site, built on the original location of the Cavern Club, was filled with high-end brands such as Cricket and Vivienne Westwood and boasted high profile customers such as Coleen Rooney and Alex Gerrard.But when the ECHO visited last summer, Cavern Walks was mostly deserted, with just a handful of customers, several shut-down shops and a closed upper level.A ‘new era’?There was hope for business owners in spite of these struggles last July, with new tenants set to move-in and the hope of the prospect of a long awaited 150-bed Beatles-themed hotel moving in on the upper level.Cavern Walks was bought in 2022 by JSM Company Group and Craig Greenwood’s Greenwood Developments. JSM told the ECHO in July 2025 the shopping centre was approaching a “new era” thanks to the new hotel and shops.L-R Cavern Walks Shopping Centre in Liverpool June 2025 v May 2026(Image: Jamie Greer/Liverpool ECHO)But it looks like the hotel plans have been scrapped. The ECHO reported earlier this month documents had been lodged with Liverpool Council planners, solely by JSM, to install 85 serviced apartments on the first to seventh floors instead.’It’s open but everyone thinks it’s closed’When the ECHO visited Cavern Walks this week, workmen were present in the upstairs level but none of the tenants we spoke to were aware of what they were doing.Lisa Trapasso-Emina, from Norris Green, runs Reborn Baby Dolls, selling dolls which are made to resemble real life babies. She enjoys working in the shopping centre but says she will only be able to stay open there if it is better promoted.Lisa said: ”I love it here. I love the shop, love all the other shops (and) the store holders, everybody’s lovely. The atmosphere’s nice. It’s just very quiet. A lot of people don’t know we’re here. It’s open but everyone thinks it’s closed.The interior of Cavern Walks, July 27 1993, with the upstairs level open and glass lift in operation(Image: Mirrorpix)“All the units are full. We need a lot more advertising, a lot more publicity. Also, do you remember out on Lord Street, there used to be an arch saying ‘Cavern Walks’?“We need something like that back there. Maybe bright lights out on Mathew Street because it looks quite dark as you walk past. Unless you stick your head in, you don’t really know there’s anything there. We’ve all put signs out and done the best we can ourselves, but I think we need more.“Maybe we need the upstairs sorting out, and then once that happens it might be better. We need customers to come in because without customers, I don’t know how long I can stay here for.”Lisa Trapasso-Emina, owner of Lisa’s Reborn Baby Dolls(Image: Liverpool Echo)On what she knows about plans for the upstairs level, Lisa added: “I’ve heard lots of different things. I’ve heard there’s going to be shops up there (or that) there’s going to be a hotel.“There’s a lot of banging going on up there, so something’s happening, but I just don’t know what. I think if they take this ceiling down, it will brighten up. I think it’d be gorgeous like it used to be. It was such a beautiful feature at one time. Hopefully if we stay positive things will get better for us.”Adam Williams, 65, who lives in Bootle, runs Rojeans vape shop. He moved here in 2017 from his previous base on Hanover Street. He too said he had no knowledge of what was happening upstairs.Adam Williams, owner of Rojeans vape shop(Image: Liverpool Echo)He said: “I was sold an empty promise that this shopping centre would be buzzing. It doesn’t look like that will happen but it’s not going to be my problem.”Adam will be closing his shop in October and is looking forward to retired life. He insists however that he is not calling it a day because of what’s happening in Cavern Walks.He says he made the decision due to increased government taxation on vapes and competition from convenience stores who also sell vapes.Adam has previously said independent vape shops like his lose out to some convenience stores who sell illegal vapes under the counter.’It is getting busier and busier’Sammy Leigh, 33, from Liverpool city centre, opened the Goodness Grief Tattoo Parlour in October. Her priority in terms of improving Cavern Walks is getting the upstairs level open again.Sammy said: ”They’re throwing metal down the stairs every day, so we assume they’re doing something. It’ll be cool if it’s a hotel.”We get mainly tourists obviously because they come through The Beatles thing. We do an endless amount of Beatles and Liverpool tattoos.The upstairs level of Cavern Walks is still closed(Image: Jamie Greer/Liverpool ECHO)“I don’t think it massively matters (what is built there). When we got here, there was a promise that there would be more footfall at some point and it is getting busier.“I think people living or staying, or whatever, up top, it can only help us. It’ll be nice I think once the whole building’s up and running.”Sammy argues the shopping centre has given her business a rare chance to have its own physical base. She said: “We’ve just tried to make a nice little space that’s a bit welcoming and not like your traditional studio.The opening of Cricket revamped fashion store – pictured Louise Bonsall (L) with Cricket director Justine Mills with Lesley Owen sister of Michael Owen back in 2003(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)“We were looking for a ground floor space because we wanted somewhere that people could walk in. We’ve been in private studios for so long.“But it’s so hard to find ground floor space that isn’t extortionate or taken by a franchise. We came across this and just snapped it up because it’s a cute little spot. It’s worked out well so far. It’s been nice.”There was a similar feeling from Janey Fairhurst, the company director of Mathew Street Records, a music shop and cafe.Janey, 32, from Wigan, said: ”We’ve been here about seven months now. Footfall has been great. We’ve met some absolutely amazing people and are excited for it to continue to grow.Janey Fairhurst, the company director of Mathew Street Records(Image: Jamie Greer/Liverpool Echo)”All the other businesses are feeding off each other, which is what you want. I think, location-wise, it’s fantastic for us, being so close to The Cavern where it all began for The Beatles.“In terms of records, everybody’s back into it now. (The cafe) is perfect for us. When we do our live events as well, it’s going to be absolutely fantastic.”JSM declined to comment on its plans for the upstairs level of Cavern Walks and calls from businesses for greater promotion of the shopping centre.The ECHO also approached Mr Greenwood via Greenwood Development’s website and his air conditioning business, Everkool, for a response.
Rushcliffe police warn residents after number of burglaries across borough | West Bridgford Wire
Police say they’re following up several incidents across Rushcliffe. Rushcliffe police said;‘While officers follow up lines of enquiry after a number of burglaries across the Borough.‘Please try to ensure doors and windows are closed and locked overnight and when you are not in the room, car keys are stored away from doors and out of sight.‘The method of entry is unknown in several of the burglary offences , previous thefts across Rushcliffe have involved different methods of attacking locks as well as entering through unsecured doors.- Advertisement -‘For anyone with uPVC or composite doors fitted with Euro profile locks upgrading to British standard 1 or 3 star locks prevents common attack techniques of picking, snapping or drilling locks.‘The addition of metal door handles and a torch guard prevents the use of a blow torch to attack the lock to gain entry.‘The picture attached is a uPVC door with a torch guard fitted around a BS 3* lock.Following the Neighbourhood Watch WIDE(N) principles can reduce your chances of being the victim of a burglary.’
Full list of 27 reasons for DWP Universal Credit sanctions
The DWP has the power to deduct money from Universal Credit payments for a number of reasons, including to pay for rent arrears or benefits overpaymentsClaimants can be sanctioned for a number of reasons (Image: Oleg Breslavtsev via Getty Images)The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published the complete list of 27 grounds for imposing Universal Credit benefit sanctions.Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit that was initially launched in the UK to supersede the previous benefits system in 2013. By 2018, all new claimants were obliged to apply for UC, while those already receiving legacy benefits continued to receive their existing awards.The DWP holds the authority to reduce Universal Credit payments for various reasons, including to recover rent arrears or benefits overpayments. According to the DWP website, money can be deducted from your Universal Credit payments to cover things such as:Child maintenanceCourt finesRent arrearsOverpayments or arrears from tax credits, Council Tax, Housing Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)Utility debts, like electricity, gas and waterHowever, deductions cannot be made from elements such as your child allowance, childcare and housing costs, reports the Manchester Evening News.The Government department outlines 27 grounds for reducing Universal Credit payments specifically through benefit sanctions.This occurs when the DWP believes you have not fulfilled everything you committed to do as part of your ‘claimant commitments’ – resulting in a reduction to your payment.Examples of why a claimant might face sanctions include missing an interview, voluntarily leaving employment and not applying for jobs.On the GOV.UK website, it confirms that claimants must ensure they fully understand all the requirements they must meet to receive Universal Credit, and the consequences if they fail to complete one or more of their work-related activities. It also states that ensuring your claimant commitment remains current by reporting any changes to your circumstances is essential.Below is the complete list of 27 reasons for Universal Credit benefit sanctions from May 2016 to the present day, along with the number of sanctions issued for each reason.Full list of 27 reasons for Universal Credit benefit sanctionsFailure to Attend or Participate in a Mandatory Interview: 578,758Failed to comply with an interview requirement: 567,776Availability for Work: 32,264Employment Programmes: 22,053Failed to participate in an employment programme: 21,917Failed to undertake all work search action: 21,639Reason for leaving previous employment: 9,538Failed to comply with a work focused interview requirement: 8,738Left work voluntarily: 5,968Failed to undertake particular specific work preparation action: 5,436Lost work because of misconduct: 3,563Failed to apply for a job: 3,519Failed to comply with an interview requirement self employed: 2,243Other: 1,429Failed to undertake particular specific work search action: 1,099Lost pay voluntarily: 726Loss of pay through misconduct: 437Failed to accept an offer of paid work: 300Failed to maintain a CV: 238Failed to be available to take up work: 182Failed to attend skills assessment: 90Failed to participate in training: 81Failed to participate in work experience or work placement: 52Failed to comply with requirement to provide evidence or confirm compliance: 21Failed to comply with requirement to report specified change in circumstances relevant to work related requirements: 8Failed to improve personal presentation: 7Unknown: 5
Live: Crash shuts North Staffordshire road
A crash has shut one of North Staffordshire’s most accident-plagued roads. Police, firefighters and paramedics are at the scene of the crash near the junction of Draycott Cross Road, The Green, Delphouse Road, and Brookhouse Road, on the outskirts of Cheadle.The collision was reported this evening.The Huntsman – on The Green, in Cheadle – has shared a picture of the road closure.StokeonTrentLive has approached Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and West Midlands Ambulance Service for statements following the collision. Any witnesses can call the police on 101.This is a live blog. For the very latest traffic and travel updates follow our live blog below.
Eurovision 2026 updates and results as votes announced – live
Eurovision is always eventful and it was another memorable evening for the 70th edition of the international song contest, which was staged in Austria’s capital city, Vienna. From technical blunders to Australian pop princess to a surprise package win, Eurovision 2026 will live long in the memory for anyone who was there or followed it. We have just rounded up our list of the full leaderboard, which you can view hereThanks again for following. Let’s do the same again next year for Bulgaria!
Steelbacks Women Match Preview: Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire Women – Northamptonshire CCC
Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women return to T20 action tomorrow as they face Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire Women at Desborough Town CC.
In the previous round, the Steelbacks cruised to a nine-wicket victory over Herefordshire Women at the cinch County Ground as Amelia Kemp struck an unbeaten half century.
Tier 3 Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire will go into the game as underdogs but the competition has already shown that any result is possible. They beat Lincolnshire Women by four runs in a thriller at Dunstable Town CC.
Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire posted 130/7 from their 20 overs and they held their nerve in the field to secure their spot in the next round.
For the Steelbacks Gemma Marriott is back on captain duties, while Emma Gibbs will take the gloves from Chloe Hill. Seamer Liz Russell returns to the fold after missing the Steelbacks One Day Cup defeat to Sussex last week.
Play starts at 2pm at Desborough Town CC on Sunday and entry is free to all spectators. A limited livestream will also be available on the Steelbacks TV YouTube channel.
Steelbacks squad to face Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire:
Gemma Marriott (c), Beth Ascott, Ava Clive, May Drinkell, Emma Gibbs (wk), Chloe Hill, Amelia Kemp, Anisha Patel, Elina Patel, Ella Philips, Liz Russell, Lenny Sims
Leeds United vs Brighton & Hove Albion: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head
Leeds are winless in all seven of their Premier League meetings with Brighton (D3 L4), both the most they’ve faced a side without ever winning and the most the Seagulls have faced a side without ever losing in the competition.Brighton have lost just one of their last 14 league games against Leeds (W10 D3), keeping 10 clean sheets and conceding just six goals in that run.As a top-flight side, Leeds have only lost their last home league game twice in their last 20 seasons (W10 D8), though one of these was a 4-1 loss against Spurs in their last Premier League campaign of 2022-23.Brighton won 4-1 at Spurs in their final away league match last season – not since 2012-13/2013-14 have they won their final match on the road in consecutive campaigns, with one of those victories back then coming at Leeds.Leeds have won 3-0 against Wolves and 3-1 against Burnley in their last two Premier League home games. They last won more consecutively at Elland Road between April and August 2001 (5), while they last did so while scoring 3+ goals each time between September and November 2000.Between December and February, only Burnley (1) won fewer Premier League games than Brighton (2). Since the start of March, no side has won more games in the top-flight than the Seagulls (6, level with Arsenal).Leeds are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games (W3 D4), last having a longer run between May and November 2001 (13). They also had a seven-game unbeaten run in December/January, with this the first campaign they’ve had two such runs since 1998-99.Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored 13 Premier League goals this season, only netting more in 2020-21 (16). The last player to score more league goals in their first season with Leeds United was Luciano Becchio in 2008-09 (15).Brighton’s Maxim de Cuyper has been involved in three goals in his last three Premier League games (3 assists), more than in his first 25 appearances in the competition (2 goals).Jack Hinshelwood has scored in each of his last three Premier League games – no Brighton player has ever scored in four in a row before.
Next generation aerospace engineering firm joins Space Park Leicester – Love Business East Midlands
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 16 May 2026
Award-winning aerospace engineering company Barrett Aerospace, whose technology helped shape one of the world’s first all-electric passenger aircraft, has joined the innovation community at Space Park Leicester.
The Singapore-based SME, founded by British aerospace engineer and composites specialist Laurence Barrett, is internationally recognised for its advanced work in composite aircraft design, autonomous systems and next generation aerospace technologies. Built around a team of predominantly British professionals living and working across Asia, the company is focused on creating a collaborative bridge between the UK and Singapore, connecting expertise across aerospace, space and advanced engineering.
Its decision to join Space Park Leicester will help to strengthen collaboration between the UK and Singapore aerospace and space sectors, while supporting smaller companies navigating the technical, regulatory and commercial challenges of advanced engineering. Through its involvement with the University of Leicester’s £100 million space research and innovation hub, the company hopes to help international partners engage more closely with the UK space ecosystem while opening new opportunities for collaborative research and supply chain development.
Laurence Barrett said:
“Joining Space Park Leicester gives us an exciting opportunity to build new partnerships between the UK and Singapore, while contributing our expertise in advanced composites, simulation, autonomous systems and aerospace development. We are particularly passionate about helping innovative SMEs bridge the gap between concept development and real-world deployment.
“There is enormous potential for stronger collaboration between Singapore and the UK across aerospace, space and advanced manufacturing. Space Park Leicester provides an ideal environment to explore those opportunities while supporting companies developing the next generation of aerospace technologies.”
In 2020, Barrett Aerospace received a Global Business Award for “Leading Specialists in Cutting-Edge Aircraft Design”, recognising its growing reputation for solving some of the aerospace sector’s most complex engineering challenges.
Among the company’s most notable achievements was its involvement in the groundbreaking Alice programme — the world’s first all-electric nine-seat commuter aircraft developed by aerospace company Eviation. Designed to transform regional air travel through zero-emission aviation, Alice became one of the most talked about projects in the global aerospace industry, combining lightweight composite structures with electric propulsion to dramatically reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
Barrett Aerospace played a central role in the programme, designing, building and delivering the aircraft’s entire empennage tail assembly as part of a global supply chain involving partners across 21 countries. Working to exceptionally tight deadlines ahead of the aircraft’s public unveiling at the Paris Air Show in 2019, the company developed multiple design concepts within months while simultaneously refining manufacturing processes to ensure the aircraft could be produced efficiently and at scale.
The project showcased Barrett Aerospace’s expertise in advanced composite engineering and its ability to combine high-performance design with practical manufacturing solutions. The company’s specialist understanding of material science and load carrying composite structures has since become a defining feature of its wider work across aerospace, autonomous systems and space technologies.
Vinay Patel, Head of Commercial and Innovation, at Space Park Leicester said:
“Barrett Aerospace is an exciting addition to the Space Park Leicester community. Their involvement in pioneering programmes such as the Alice electric aircraft project demonstrates the calibre of engineering expertise they bring.
“The company’s international outlook, advanced technical capability and commitment to innovation align strongly with Space Park Leicester’s mission to support collaboration across space, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. We look forward to working together on future opportunities that connect industry, research and emerging technologies.”
Barrett Aerospace operates across a broad range of advanced engineering sectors, including recyclable aerospace materials, satellite communications integration, autonomous vehicle deployment systems and space launch technologies. The company supports the development and qualification of new aerospace materials and works closely with UK-based composites manufacturers and is particularly experienced in helping technologies progress through the critical engineering stages between Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–6.
Its engineering activities include UAVs, unmanned ground and marine vehicle deployment systems, prototyping, modelling, full mechanical testing and aircraft manufacturing support. The company also delivers high-level nonlinear simulation and fatigue analysis for aerospace structures, modelling how materials and components behave under real-world operational stress over time.
Singaporean company Equatorial Space Systems (ESS) is another of Barrett Aerospace’s customers. ESS aim to become Singapore’s first commercially designed vehicle to launch into Low Earth Orbit. Having already achieved lift-off of a Low Altitude Demonstrator over Perak, Malaysia in 2020.
Alongside its engineering capabilities, Barrett Aerospace combines technical, legal and commercial expertise, including in-house legal support for contracts and project delivery phases. The company also has access to trusted flight-testing capability in Queensland, Australia.
Barrett Aerospace is also supporting aerospace supply chain resilience through new cyber security initiatives aimed at helping SMEs strengthen compliance, operational security and certification readiness within increasingly demanding global aerospace markets. Working with specialist cyber security partners, the company is developing practical monitoring and compliance approaches aligned with industry standards such as NADCAP and Cyber Essentials, while also exploring opportunities to support Space Park Leicester companies through future cyber security awareness and resilience initiatives.
For further information about Barrett Aerospace, visit https://www.barrettaerospace.com
To explore Space Park Leicester partnerships, missions, residents, facilities, training programmes and innovation products, visit https://www.space-park.co.uk or to learn more about holding events at the venue, visit space-park.co.uk/venuehire. To learn more about the University of Leicester, visit https://le.ac.uk/.
Image: Laurence Barrett (pictured left)
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Two Cambridgeshire curry restaurants named as some of the best in the UK
These two restaurants in Cambridgeshire are serving some of the best curries in the UKLalbagh is one of the two restaurants that made it into the top 100 list(Image: Google Maps)Two restaurants in Cambridgeshire have been named among the best in the UK for a curry. The list of the UK’s Top 100 Curry Restaurants have been announced by the Asian Catering Federation and two popular restaurants were mentioned out of hundreds of spots.The list was voted for by the public and recommended by the Asian Catering Federation’s expert panel with the aim of helping “spice lovers discover outstanding curry houses in their local area”. There are nearly 10,000 Indian restaurants in the UK so making it to the top 100 is not an easy task.Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation Yawar Khan, said: “The Asian food industry strives to create the very best experience for its customers, and everyone listed in this guide is there because they have worked tirelessly to earn their place.”Year-on-year the Asian catering industry is challenged by global shortages, online delivery platforms charging exorbitant fees, and now, the new immigration rules that will make it extremely difficult for new overseas applicants to obtain a skilled worker visa in the UK. However, despite all this, we still continue to thrive, innovate, and dedicate all our energy to creating the very best cuisine. Congratulations to everyone who is included this year in our Guide.”If you are looking for somewhere to go for an incredible curry, you might want to test out these two spots in Cambridgeshire which made it into the top 100.LalbaghLocation: 49 Alms Hill, Bourn, Cambridge, CB23 2SHLalbagh is no stranger to awards having won things like the restaurant of the year in the East of England at the English Curry Awards and Best Asian Restaurant at the Asian Curry Awards. The restaurant’s menu features a huge range of starters, curries, and the chef’s own signature dishes.If you’re struggling to decide what to try, you might want to opt for the seven course taster menu so you can enjoy a few different dishes. Lalbagh is also available for takeaways so you can enjoy the high quality food without having to leave the comfort of your home.NavadhanyaLocation: 70 Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB5 8DZNavadhanya is a very popular food spot in the city of Cambridge that believes “food should not only please the palate but also the eyes” and uses traditional methods of cooking and presentation. The restaurant has regularly featured in the Michelin Guide.The restaurant has an a la carte menu as well as a seven course tasting menu that can be made to be either vegan or vegetarian to suit all tastes. The a la carte menu features lots of different small plates that have been “inspired by the street food markets of India” as well as curries.
